Story perspectives

Cole Allen Fired at Secret Service, Video Refutes Friendly-Fire Rumors

5/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Federal prosecutors released a six-minute video showing Cole Allen firing at a Secret Service officer, disproving friendly-fire rumors.
Allen is charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and faces a May 11 hearing.
Prosecutors say Allen tracked the president’s schedule, took a selfie with an ammunition-filled bag and weapons.
A judge denied the defense’s request to move Allen out of the safe-cell unit.

History

Historical Context

In March 1981, John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton, wounding Reagan, press secretary James Brady, officer Thomas Delahanty and Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy. The attack revealed flaws in the Secret Service’s layered protection and prompted security upgrades. Decades later, Cole Allen opened fire on a Secret Service officer at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, renewing worries about venue security.

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Story summary

Federal prosecutors released a six-minute video showing Cole Allen firing at a Secret Service officer, disproving friendly-fire rumors.
Allen is charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and faces a May 11 hearing.
Prosecutors say Allen tracked the president’s schedule, took a selfie with an ammunition-filled bag and weapons.
A judge denied the defense’s request to move Allen out of the safe-cell unit.

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